Mount point - A folder that is used as a shortcut to space on another volume, which effectively increases the size of the folder to the size of the other volume. Also see mounted drive.
pagefile.sys - The Windows swap file that is used to hold the virtual memory that is used to enhance the physical memory installed in a system.
Defragment - To rewrite a file to a disk in one contiguous chain of clusters, thus speeding up data retrieval.
Cluster - One or more sectors that constitute the smallest unit of space on a disk for storing data (also referred to as a file allocation unit). Files are written to a disk as groups of whole clusters.
Dynamic disk - A way to partition one or more hard drives so that the drives can work together to store data in order to increase space for data or to provide fault tolerance or improved performance. Also see RAID. Compare to basic disk.
Active partition - The primary partition on the hard drive that boots the OS. Windows calls the active partition the system partition.
Boot partition - The hard drive partition where the Windows OS is stored. The system partition and the boot partition may be different partitions.
Partition - A division of a hard drive that can hold a volume. Using the MBR system, Windows can support up to four partitions on one hard drive.
Mounted drive - A volume that can be accessed by way of a folder on another volume so that the folder has more available space. Also see mount point.
Chain of custody - Documentation that tracks evidence used in an investigation and includes exactly what, when, and from whom the evidence was collected, the condition of the evidence, and how the evidence was secured while in possession of a responsible party.
Sector - On a hard disk drive or SSD, the smallest unit of bytes addressable by the operating system and BIOS. On hard disk drives, one sector equals 512 bytes; SSD drives might use larger sectors.
Site license - A license that allows a company to install multiple copies of software, or to allow multiple employees to execute the software from a file server.
Virtualization server - A computer that serves up virtual machines to multiple client computers and provide a virtual desktop for users on these client machines.
High-level format - A process performed by the Windows Format program (for example,
FORMAT C:/S), the Windows installation program, or the Disk Management utility. The process creates the boot record,
file system, and root directory on a hard drive volume or logical drive, a floppy disk, or USB flash drive.
Quick format - A format procedure, used to format a hard drive volume or other drive, that doesn't scan the volume or drive for bad sectors; use it only when a drive has been previously formatted and is in healthy condition.
Hardware-assisted virtualization (HAV) - A feature of a processor whereby it can provide enhanced support for hypervisor software to run virtual machines on a system. The feature must be enabled in BIOS setup.
Software RAID - Using Windows to implement RAID. The setup is done using the Disk Management utility.
Dynamic volumes - A volume type used with dynamic disks by which you can create a single volume that uses space on multiple hard drives.
Wildcard - An * or ? character used in a command line that represents a character or group of characters in a filename or extension.
Partition table - A table at the beginning of the hard drive that contains information about each partition on the drive. The partition table is contained in the Master Boot Record.
Elevated command prompt window - A Windows command prompt window that allows commands that require administrative privileges.
Thin client - A computer that has an operating system, but has little computer power and might only need to support a browser used to communicate with a virtualization server.
Virtual memory - A method whereby the OS uses the hard drive as though it were RAM. Also see pagefile.sys.
Escalate - When a technician passes a customer's problem to higher organizational levels because he or she cannot solve the problem.
Call tracking - A system that tracks the dates, times, and transactions of help-desk or on-site PC support calls, including the problem presented, the issues addressed, who did what, and when and how each call was resolved.
License - Permission for an individual to use a product or service. A manufacturer's method of maintaining ownership, while granting permission for use to others.
Hardware RAID - One of two ways to implement RAID. Hardware RAID is more reliable and better performing than software RAID, and is implemented using the BIOS on the motherboard or a RAID controller card.
Low-level formatting - A process (usually performed at the factory) that electronically creates the hard drive tracks and sectors and tests for bad spots on the disk surface.
Thick client - A regular desktop computer or laptop that is sometimes used as a client by a virtualization server.
Registry - A database that Windows uses to store hardware and software configuration information, user preferences, and setup information.
Ticket - An entry in a call-tracking system made by whoever receives a call for help and used to track and document actions taken. The ticket stays open until the issue is resolved.